Abstract:
Although there were ethnic nationalism and ethnic based political organizations since 1970s, the
introduction of ethnic federalism and the coming power of TPLF/EPRDF in the post 1991
opened a wider space for ethnic nationalism in Ethiopia. Many of ethnic based national groups
competing in the current Ethiopian politics. Therefore the main objective of this study was the
nature of Amhara nationalism challenges, causes and its implications for national unity of
Ethiopia. Amhara nationalism has various implications for the current and future political
discourse of Ethiopia in general and to people of Amhara in particular. Thus, the aim of this
research was to identify and explore the causes, main challenges and its implications for
national unity of Ethiopia. To achieve the main objective the study employed a qualitative
research approach with exploratory and descriptive case study research design through dealing
with highly relied on primary sources of data; however secondary sources of data were also
used. The tools used to collect data were in-depth interviews and FGD. Purposive sampling
techniques, a type of non-probability sampling was also used to select the participants for indepth
and FGD. The data obtained from both primary and secondary sources were analyzed
through the use of thematic analysis. The finding of the study revealed that, structural
oppression, Anti-Amhara narratives, existential threat and socio-economic marginalization were
major causes for the formation of Amhara nationalism. More over the finding of the study
revealed that, Amhara nationalism in its very existence has been a centrist ad it is as a
centripetal force for national unity but political alienation and massive attack might led to
centrifugal force for national integrity of Ethiopia. On the other hand problems residing from
within and without are the challenges of Amhara nationalism. The major conclusion drawn from
the findings of the study reveals that, the Amhara nationalism is a political ideology which
established in response to holistic attacks of people of Amhara in the Ethiopia political arena.
Currently, an emerging Amhara nationalism is a phenomenon and a determinant force in the
national politics of the country. Finally, the researcher recommended that, the existing regime
should be treated Amhara nationalism fairly and properly. Even though Amhara nationalism is a
centrist, due to century old accumulated grievances, it might tend from a maker to a breaker of a
state.